This week, you will train for Part 3 of the exam. The topic this week is ‘celebrities’.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below).

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Part 3 Questions What qualities do you think are important for an actor or actress to be successful? Do you think celebrities have a responsibility to be role models? How has the film industry changed over the years in your country? In what ways do celebrities impact people’s behaviour and attitudes? Do you believe celebrities should speak out on political issues?

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Target language: shed light on -raise awareness of something “Given their large platform, they can shed light on important causes and bring attention to underrepresented voices.”

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Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

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Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

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Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

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Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group! “To be successful, an actor or actress firstly needs to have talent. They must possess the ability to convey emotions authentically and connect with the audience. Versatility is equally important, as the best actors can seamlessly adapt to a wide range of roles. Moreover, dedication and a strong work ethic are essential. The film industry is highly competitive and demands resilience in the face of rejection.”

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Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.

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Transcript

What qualities do you think are important for an actor or actress to be successful?

To be successful, an actor or actress firstly needs to have talent. They must possess the ability to convey emotions authentically and connect with the audience. Versatility is equally important, as the best actors can seamlessly adapt to a wide range of roles. Moreover, dedication and a strong work ethic are essential. The film industry is highly competitive and demands resilience in the face of rejection.

Do you think celebrities have a responsibility to be role models?

Yes, I do believe celebrities have a responsibility to be role models. Given their significant visibility, their actions and words can have a profound impact on their followers, especially young people. By promoting positive behaviour, such as kindness and hard work, celebrities can inspire their fans to adopt similar values. Moreover, as public figures, they have a platform to address important social issues and advocate for positive change.

How has the film industry changed over the years in your country?

The film industry in my country has undergone significant changes over the years. Technological advancements have fueled a lot of this change. For example, digital filmmaking and special effects have transformed the way movies are made and experienced. There has also been a noticeable shift towards innovative storytelling techniques. For instance, when I was a kid, movies had very simple and predictable plots. These days, however, movies often have unforeseen twists or character backstories that help deepen the viewer’s understanding of the plot. Additionally, the industry has become more inclusive and diverse. It’s now not uncommon for movies in my country to include a variety of cultures and ethnicities.

In what ways do celebrities impact people’s behaviour and attitudes?

I think their influence is particularly evident in areas such as fashion and lifestyle choices. For example, when a celebrity endorses a product or adopts a particular style, it often leads to widespread emulation among their fans. Celebrities can also shape public discourse on important issues. I remember a famous celebrity in my country once publicly shared their struggles with depression, and this led to much greater awareness of the importance of mental health. I guess it’s safe to say that what celebrities say and do in the public eye can have major impact on people’s behaviour and attitudes.

Do you believe celebrities should speak out on political issues?

I believe celebrities should have the right to speak out on political issues, just like any other citizen. Given their large platform, they can shed light on important causes and bring attention to underrepresented voices. However, it is crucial for celebrities to be well-informed and considerate when discussing political matters. Passing on misinformation could have dire consequences for society.